The City Lights Collective

“Young John Lewis” makes its world premiere at Theatrical Outfit. The hip-hop musical was written by Psalmayene 24 and composed by Eugene H. Russell IV. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with both of them about this riveting new play. Additionally, we revisit Reitzes’ conversation with the author of “The Swans of Harlem” and a Black ballerina featured in the book. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2018 interview regarding Alliance Theatre’s stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book, “Native Guard.”  

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“Young John Lewis” makes its world premiere at Theatrical Outfit. The hip-hop musical was written by Psalmayene 24 and composed by Eugene H. Russell IV. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with both of them about this riveting new play. Additionally, we revisit Reitzes’ conversation with the author of “The Swans of Harlem” and a Black ballerina featured in the book. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2018 interview regarding Alliance Theatre’s stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book, “Native Guard.”  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Opera’s artistic director, Tomer Zvulun, sits down with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the rare gem of Baroque opera, George Frideric Handel’s “Semele,” which will be on stage June 7, 10, 13, and 15. Plus, we spotlight the Atlanta band Shock Tea in our series “Speaking of Music.” And we revisit another “Farewell Favorite” conversation between Lois and former Spelman president, Mary Schmidth Campbell. They discuss her 2018 book “An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden.”

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"Accentuate the Positive: The Music of Arlen and Mercer” is a concert-cabaret show premiering at The Breman this Sunday. Flying Carpet Theatre founder Adam Koplan and executive director of The Breman, Leslie Gordon discuss the timeless classics and melodies Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen wrote throughout their career.  Plus, WABE music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart looks at the latest summer blockbuster soundtracks in “Music in Media.” And we listen back to one of Lois’ “Farewell Favorite” segments with humorist and author David Sedaris discussing his book, “Happy Go Lucky."

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“Young John Lewis” makes its world premiere at Theatrical Outfit. The hip-hop musical was written by Psalmayene 24 and composed by Eugene H. Russell IV. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes speaks with both of them about this riveting new play. Additionally, we revisit Reitzes’ conversation with the author of “The Swans of Harlem” and a Black ballerina featured in the book. As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2018 interview regarding Alliance Theatre’s stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book, “Native Guard.”  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Hong, co-founder of the new Classical Remix Music Festival, joins us. The festival kicks off with three nights of music on June 8 at Leafmore Creek Park Club. On June 22, the festival will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and the event on June 27 will take place at the Historic Dekalb Courthouse.

Plus, in "Wildcat," the 2023 movie about the author Flannery O'Connor, we hear the question, "If imagination impacts reality, isn't faith where those rivers meet?" Co-written and directed by Ethan Hawke, the movie stars his daughter, Maya Hawke, and explores O'Connor's intellect and the role of faith in her life.

As part of the "City Lights" series of "Farewell Favorites," we listen back to Lois's 2023 conversation with Ethan Hawk.

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When City Lights host Lois Reitzes announced her retirement from daily hosting earlier this year, she sat down with WABE's All Things Considered host Jim Burress to reflect on her broadcasting career. In this special edition of the City Lights podcast, we hear an extended version of their conversation.

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Virtuoso banjoist Béla Fleck discusses his upcoming performance with the ASO of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The show takes place at Atlanta Symphony Hall on June 11. Plus, The Renaissance Orchestra takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Music.”

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Former First Lady of Atlanta Valerie Jackson reminisces about her time as a WABE host and shares some highlights from Mayor Maynard Jackson’s career. Plus, we hear from music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl for “Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week.” We also listen to  Lois Reitzes’ conversation with Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers as part of her “Farewell Favorites.” They discuss the Indigo Girls’ documentary “It’s Only Life After All.”

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The Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta is reopening after recent renovations, unveiling new art, exhibitions and interactive experiences for its big centennial. It includes an interactive mural designed by artist and SCAD MFA student Jennifer Wee. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Wee and Nina Thomas, Delta Flight Museum director of exhibits and public programs. Plus, we hear from Rough Draft Atlanta’s editor in chief, Beth McKibben, for this month’s “Beverage Beat” on margaritas. And we kick off “Lois’ Farewell Favorites” with award-winning actor, producer and author Henry Winkler.

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